Conversations with a Leo

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Birthday present painting and short story for my bestestestest buddy in the world! (: Dedicated to celebrating his birthday month and all around spirit--packed with symbolism (:

Conversations with a Leo

She approaches him.
Kneeling first at his side,
she lies onto the land
to mirror his stance.
Looking out to the warm
skies she smiles,
"Why do you lie so close
to the cool earth, dear Leo?"
"Because it keeps me grounded
amidst temptation to fly," he purrs.
"And why does your mane
grow so full?" She asks.
"To quiet the bellows
of unforgiving eyes," he hints.
"And why must you cradle
flowers delicately as so?"
"To see, and feel, and relish in
the company of beauty."
They share a moment in silence
before a rumbling chuckle leaves
his lungs,
"And why do you ask a Leo these questions?"
She waits, publicly smiling to herself,
"Because you answer, my friend."
And together, they lie there, looking out
onto the world's wild, watching no-thing
and
everything.

--One of the most enjoyable painting experiences!
Photoshop CS3, new techniques tried, packed with symbolism
20 hours total

***Oh yeah, tried out tons o' new techniques in this one, totally inspired by crazy brush work and composition!